Pseudoscalar transition form factors: $(g-2)$ of the muon, pseudoscalar decays into lepton pairs, and the $\eta-\eta'$ mixing

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile, data-driven method to model pseudoscalar meson transition form factors, enhancing precision in low-energy QCD calculations relevant for muon g-2 and meson decay studies.

Contribution

The paper develops a general, model-independent approach based on analyticity and unitarity to describe pseudoscalar form factors, applicable across various energy regions and form factor types.

Findings

Updated estimates for the muon g-2 hadronic light-by-light contribution.

Refined pseudoscalar decay rates into lepton pairs.

Improved determination of η-η' mixing parameters.

Abstract

We present our model-independent and data-driven method to describe pseudoscalar meson transition form factors in the space- and (low-energy) time-like regions. The method is general and conforms a toolkit applicable to any other form factor, of one and two variables, with the potential to include both high- and low-energy QCD constraints altogether. The method makes use of analyticity and unitary properties of form factors, it is simple, systematic and can be improved upon by including new data. In the present discussion, the method is used to show the impact of experimental data for precision calculations in the low-energy sector of the Standard Model. In particular, due to its relevance for New Physics searches, we have considered the hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (the pseudoscalar exchange contribution), the pseudoscalar decays into lepton pairs, and the determination of the mixing parameters of the $\eta$ and $\eta'$ system. For all of them we provide the most updated results in a data-driven manner.